West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has officially announced a monthly pension of ₹10,000 for 325 individuals who were imprisoned for protesting against the Emergency imposed in 1975. The announcement was made on Sunday at a state secretariat event, where Adhikari lauded the sacrifices of these 'brave soldiers' for upholding democratic principles.
The beneficiaries will receive the pension under a new scheme titled 'Paschimbanga Loktantra Senani Samman'. Adhikari underscored that the current state government is founded on the ideals of those who endured hardship for the nation's democratic values.
Commemorating Historical Movements
The announcement coincided with the 84th anniversary of the Quit India Movement. On this occasion, Adhikari paid tribute to the freedom fighters who made the ultimate sacrifice for India's independence, recalling Mahatma Gandhi's powerful 'Do or Die' call.
“On this momentous day of August 9th, I offer my deepest gratitude and heartfelt tribute to all those courageous Freedom Fighters. Their unmatched valour and supreme sacrifices form the bedrock of the free India we cherish today,” Adhikari stated.
National Context of Emergency Commemoration
The BJP-led central government observes June 25 as 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas' (Constitution Murder Day) to mark the imposition of the Emergency in 1975. Several BJP-ruled states have previously honored individuals jailed during this period with various awards and pension schemes, aligning with a broader national effort to recognize those who opposed the Emergency.
This initiative by the new BJP government in West Bengal, which came to power earlier this year, reflects a similar commitment to honoring those who protested against the 1975 Emergency.